Growing up, I often heard that pursuing art wasn’t a “real” career, just a passion project. Well-meaning people would tell me that artists struggle, living paycheck to paycheck. For a long time, I believed them, and I struggled to find a career path that aligned with my interests. After bouncing between ideas, I eventually found myself at a crossroads, unsure of where to turn next.
That’s when I decided to visit the career center. My advisor was incredibly helpful, guiding me through career tests and taking the time to talk through what really interested me. To my surprise, she suggested graphic design—something I never even considered an option. She showed me that art can be a career, despite what many people think. If you have a passion for it, it can be more than just a hobby—it can also be a financially sustainable career. In fact, my advisor shared some eye-opening statistics about the financial side of graphic design, which gave me the confidence to seriously consider it.
Soon after, I scheduled a meeting with Philippe Valle, the director of the Graphic & Web Design program at North Idaho College. I still remember the day of the tour—walking through the classrooms and seeing the projects students were working on, something just clicked. I had no idea how any of it worked or what the classes would be like, but I knew I had to give it a try. I decided to take the leap and join the program.
What I didn’t expect, however, was to fall in love with web design along the way. It started as part of the curriculum, but I quickly realized it was an entirely new passion for me. Not only did I graduate with the skills to be a graphic designer, but I also gained the tools and knowledge to thrive as a web designer.
Now, working at Blackbird Digital, I get to enjoy the best of both worlds. I have the chance to work on graphic design projects while also indulging my love for web design. It’s rewarding to use both skill sets and see how they complement each other in the digital marketing world.
I owe a huge thank you to the staff at North Idaho College, especially Philippe Valle, the career center, and all the incredible instructors. Without their support, I might not have found the confidence to pursue my interests.
To anyone reading this, I encourage you to pursue a career that feels right for you. It’s easy to let doubts or outside opinions sway your choices, but if you’re passionate and willing to put in the work, you can create a fulfilling career. Trust your instincts and take the leap—you never know what opportunities might come your way.
